How is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed and Detected Early?

What is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer, and it is an abnormal growth of cells in the kidney tissue. These abnormal cells form a mass called a tumor. Cancer often begins in the kidneys when something triggers or makes a change in the cells, and they divide out of control rapidly.

How is kidney cancer diagnosed?

Oncologists use a combination of diagnostic tests, including imaging tests and laboratory tests, to diagnose this type of cancer. 

Here’s a list of tests and procedures used to detect this cancer, including:

Physical examinations

Doctors often review the medical history of a cancer patient and also check the symptoms, family history of cancer, and lifestyle choices. 

Performing physical examinations might reveal a mass or tenderness appearing in the kidneys. 

Urine tests

Performing urine tests helps to detect blood and the presence of abnormal cells in the urine. People take urinalysis, and urine cytology can also help to identify the symptoms. 

Blood tests

Performing blood tests helps to know more about the function of the kidney. For example, creatinine and urea levels. The levels of these substances often indicate the symptoms of anemia and abnormal liver enzymes, and they are often linked to the development of tumors in kidneys. 

Imaging tests

Performing these diagnostic tests includes imaging tests that play a significant role in diagnosing and staging these conditions. 

Some of the crucial imaging tests include:

1. Ultrasound: After taking the first scan, taking an ultrasound test helps to reveal masses or cysts in the kidney. 
2. CT scan: This is the standard test used for the detection of this type of cancer. Performing these tests shows the size, shape, and spread of the tumor. 
3. MRI Scan: These scans are recommended when the CT scans are not supposed to be used in patients. 
4. X-rays: They help to determine if the cancer has spread on other body parts (metastasis)

Biopsy tests

It involves removing a small tissue sample with the help of a needle. A biopsy is used when the imaging test results are not clear or true. A biopsy is performed to start targeted therapy.

Why early detection matters!

Early detection plays a key role in treating the early stage of this cancer. The early-stage kidney cancer has a five-year survival rate, which is over 90%. However, on the contrary, an advanced stage of cancer's survival rate drops below 15 to 20%. 

Here’s why early detection matters:

• Advanced treatment options: Early detection helps to get more effective treatments, including surgery. The treatments get more successful when the tumor is small and it hasn’t spread to other body parts. 
• Increased survival rates: Studies show that, if kidney cancer is detected in the early stages, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher. 
• Minimally invasive treatments: The early-stage cancer can often be treated with advanced kidney surgeries. Some of these procedures involve small incisions, low levels of pain, shorter stays in hospitals, and faster recovery times. 
• Slows down cancer progression: Early diagnosis helps to start treatments immediately without wasting any time. Cancer is a type of disease that requires urgent attention, because the delays in treatments can worsen the condition of a patient. 
• Better treatment results: Early detection of this cancer is directly linked to the outcomes of recommended treatments in patients. The chance of recovery is high when the cancer is in its early stages.